Days Out NI
Diving & snorkelling Larne

SS Chirripo Wreck Dive (Larne Lough)

A WWI banana steamer at 28m, sunk by a mine off Black Head - for qualified divers only.

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Book aheadBoat only - via a local club's RIB or a c…
Check pricesVaries by course or trip
LarneDiving & snorkelling
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Wild wreck diveType
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Qualified diversExperience
Bow & deck railsYou may see
Check locallyParking

SS Chirripo Wreck Dive (Larne Lough) — A WWI banana steamer at 28m, sunk by a mine off Black Head - for qualified divers only.

  • What you can do: Dive an intact WWI wreck at depth - qualified, experienced divers.
  • Experience needed: Qualified divers only; depth and current put it beyond entry level.
  • Conditions: Cold water year-round; strong tides - dive near slack water, neaps best; no lifeguard.
  • Kit: Bring your own; drysuit or thick wetsuit and depth-appropriate kit.
  • Booking & access: Boat only - via a local club's RIB or a charter; commonly launched from Whitehead.
  • Cost: No charge for the wreck; pay for club boat cover or charter - check current prices.
Plan your visit

An intact WWI wreck for experienced divers

The Chirripo lies on her starboard side in a northwest-southeast line, largely intact, rising about 12m off a 28m seabed. That depth alone makes her a dive for qualified divers with the right training and experience - sport-depth and beyond, in cold, often dim water. You may see the bow, deck rails, structure and the marine growth that has taken over the hull over a century. The propeller was salvaged and landed at Bangor around 1970, so it is no longer on the wreck. Marine life on these structures is never guaranteed, but encrusting life, fish and the occasional larger visitor are part of what makes a NI wreck worth the descent.

WWI wreck dive Boat access only Qualified divers only Cold water - drysuit Slack water only 28-30m depth
Good to know before you go:

Conditions here change with the weather and the tide, and visibility changes with them — clear and calm one day, murky and rough the next. Check a forecast and a tide table before you set off. This is a self-access site with no lifeguard, so match it to the experience you actually have, go with a buddy, and never dive alone. Boat access is arranged through an operator or club, so book ahead.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 📱A bookingCentres and clubs run try-dives and trips on set days and tides — arrange it before you travel.
  • ☕Warm layers and a hot drinkThe water is cold all year. Dry clothes and something hot afterwards make the whole day.
  • 🏖️A towelAnd somewhere to put wet kit for the drive home.
  • 🤿An honest look at your experienceMatch the site to the training you actually have. Plenty of people start with a try-dive instead.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Wild WWI wreck dive (boat access; club RIB or charter)
What you can do
Dive an intact WWI wreck at depth - qualified, experienced divers
Experience needed
Qualified divers only; depth and current put it beyond entry level
Conditions
Cold water year-round; strong tides - dive near slack water, neaps best; no lifeguard
Booking / access
Boat only - via a local club's RIB or a charter; commonly launched from Whitehead
Kit
Bring your own; drysuit or thick wetsuit and depth-appropriate kit
Cost
No charge for the wreck; pay for club boat cover or charter - check current prices
What you may see
Bow, deck rails and structure with marine growth; propeller was removed in 1970 (wildlife never guaranteed)
Parking
Not confirmed - check locally with your launch point
Address / location
Off Black Head, near Whitehead, mouth of Belfast Lough, Co. Antrim (approx. 54.766 N, 5.679 W)
Questions

Before you go

Do I need experience?
Qualified divers only; depth and current put it beyond entry level
How much does it cost?
No charge for the wreck; pay for club boat cover or charter - check current prices
Do I need to book?
Boat only - via a local club's RIB or a charter; commonly launched from Whitehead
What are the conditions like?
Cold water year-round; strong tides - dive near slack water, neaps best; no lifeguard
What kit do I need?
Bring your own; drysuit or thick wetsuit and depth-appropriate kit
Getting there

SS Chirripo Wreck Dive (Larne Lough) is at Off Black Head, near Whitehead, mouth of Belfast Lough, Co. Antrim (approx. 54.766 N, 5.679 W). Tap below for directions.

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Nearby

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The story

About it

The Chirripo was a fruit carrier built by Workman Clark in Belfast and acquired by Elders & Fyffes in 1906, working the banana trade between Jamaica and Avonmouth. On 28 December 1917 she struck a mine laid by the German submarine UC-75 about half a mile southeast of Black Head lighthouse and sank in Belfast Lough; all on board were rescued.

She now sits on her starboard side at around 28m, one of the area's classic intact wrecks. Her screw was raised and landed at Bangor about 1970. The dive is usually reached by RIB from Whitehead and worked around slack water because of the strong tides.